Science truly comes alive when you can feel it, touch it, and measure it for yourself. That’s why I’ve been so inspired by the work of Salish Sea Sciences, a program that takes high school students out of the classroom and places them right in the heart of one of the most incredible marine ecosystems on the planet.
Two years ago, I would have joined them at their conservation camp, but due to conflict with my Grandpa’s illness, whom I visited late summer in 2023, I had to drop out, but I’m still thinking of them. Yo Caroline, thank you for believing in me, and a shout-out to all the great work you are doing!
Based in the stunning San Juan Islands, Salish Sea Sciences does something truly special: it connects curious students with practicing scientists for an immersive, hands-on research experience. For weeks, these students don’t just learn about marine biology—they live it. They conduct fieldwork in intertidal zones, learn from mentors at world-class institutions like the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Labs, and even embark on multi-day boat expeditions to explore remote island habitats.
The Salish Sea Sciences program is a perfect reflection of what Oceancare Alliance stands for: empowering the next generation with the tools and inspiration to become lifelong ocean stewards. This past summer, I was incredibly proud that Oceancare Alliance was able to help support the program by directing grant funding to their summer research students.
It wasn’t just about providing resources; it was about investing in the spark of curiosity. It was about helping to ensure that another student could have that “aha!” moment—the one where they hold a sea star for the first time or analyze a water sample they collected themselves and realize they have the power to contribute to real scientific inquiry.
Check out this video from Caroline (who runs the camp) of this video from one of the parents!
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